Club History

A club rich in history

The Club was formed in 1926 with the British Hardcourt Championships being held at the Club between the years of 1928 and 1983.

During this period many of sports greatest stars have played on the centre court. These include Fred Perry, Jaroslav Drobny, Roy Emerson, Ken Rosewall, Rod Laver, Illie Nastase, Doris Hart, Ann Jones, Virginia Wade and Evonne Goolagong.

The Club was also a leader as far as the development of the game was concerned and in 1968 the first 'open' tournament in the world was held at the Club. This was when the games leading professionals lined up against amateurs and Britain's Mark Cox made tennis history. As an amateur he defeated American Pancho Gonzales in a 5 set thriller causing an absolute sensation amongst the press and spectators alike.